Display device with touch sensor, and electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

According to an aspect, a display device with a touch sensor has a display function and a touch sensor function. The display device includes: a panel unit that comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a display function layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrode on the first substrate; a second electrode on the second substrate; a third electrode on the second substrate; and a capacitor for the touch sensor function. The capacitor is formed between either of the first electrode and the second electrode and the third electrode, or between both the first electrode and the second electrode and the third electrode. The frame portion outside the display area comprises, on the first substrate side thereof, a peripheral circuit, and the second electrode is provided in a position more distant upward from the peripheral circuit than the first electrode.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/955,079, filed Jul. 31, 2013, which application claimspriority to Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-175215 filed inthe Japan Patent Office on Aug. 7, 2012, JP 2013-155265 filed in theJapan Patent Office on Jul. 26, 2013, the entire content of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to techniques, for example, for a displaydevice such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD), for a touch sensor(also called a touch panel [TP]), for a liquid crystal display devicewith a touch sensor (in other words, a liquid crystal touch panelmodule), and for an electronic apparatus. The present disclosureparticularly relates to a technique for a liquid crystal display devicewith an in-cell capacitive touch sensor.

2. Description of the Related Art

Examples of liquid crystal display devices with a touch sensor whoseliquid crystal display function implements a touch sensor function,particularly for reducing thickness for example, include a liquidcrystal display device with an in-cell touch sensor (called, forexample, “in-cell touch LCD” or “in-cell liquid crystal touch panel”).

A liquid crystal display device with an in-cell capacitive touch sensoras a related example has an array substrate (also called a TFTsubstrate) and a color filter (CF) substrate that are elementsconstituting the liquid crystal display function, and a liquid crystallayer interposed between the array substrate and the CF substrate. Thearray substrate is provided with thin-film transistors (TFTs) includinggate electrodes and source electrodes, pixel electrodes, retentioncapacitors, a common electrode, and the like. The CF substrate isprovided with a color filter and the like. The liquid crystal displaydevice with a touch sensor includes a touch drive electrode(transmitting electrode referenced as Tx) and a touch detectionelectrode (receiving electrode referenced as Rx) that are elementsconstituting the touch sensor function.

The above-described liquid crystal display device with a touch sensorparticularly has a particular example configuration (called “combineduse type”) in which an electrode unit and a wiring layer for the liquidcrystal display function is partially used also as an electrode unit anda wiring layer for the touch sensor function. A configuration example isdescribed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.2009-244958.

For example, in a configuration example (first related configurationexample) of the combined use type liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor corresponding to a vertical electric field mode LCD, thearray substrate includes a first electrode that is a first commonelectrode unit (referenced as COM1), and an electrode unit used as botha second common electrode unit (referenced as COM2) and the transmittingelectrode Tx is configured as a second electrode on the inner side (onthe side nearer to the liquid crystal layer) of the CF substrate, andthe receiving electrode Rx is configured as a third electrode on theouter side (front surface) of the CF substrate.

In a configuration example (second related configuration example) of thecombined use type liquid crystal display device with a touch sensorcorresponding to a horizontal electric field mode LCD, an electrode unitused as both a common electrode (referenced as COM) and the transmittingelectrode Tx is configured as a first electrode on the array substrate,and the receiving electrode Rx is configured as a second electrode onthe CF substrate.

The horizontal electric field mode or the vertical electric field modeis applicable as a driving method for the above-mentioned liquid crystallayer. A fringe field switching (FFS) mode and an in-plane switching(IPS) mode are examples of the horizontal electric field mode. A twistednematic (TN) mode, a vertical alignment (VA) mode, and an electricallycontrolled birefringence (ECB) mode are examples of the verticalelectric field mode.

A general liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor includes adisplay area corresponding to a screen of a panel unit, and a frameportion disposed outside the display area. The display area is a regionconstituted by pixels and touch detection units. The frame portion isformed with, for example, a peripheral circuit. The peripheral circuitis formed by a process such as a chip-on-glass (COG) process or alow-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) process. The peripheralcircuit is, for example, a driver that drives electrodes of the panel.Examples of the driver include, but are not limited to, a gate driverthat drives gate electrodes and gate lines.

General issues and requirements in devices such as the above-describedliquid crystal display device with a touch sensor includes, for example,thickness reduction, space saving, simplification in the productionprocess and the number of parts, cost reduction by simplification, andimprovement in quality of display and accuracy of touch detection.Regarding particularly the simplification, the number of layers isreduced to reduce cost by employing the combined use type in-cellconfiguration in which the electrodes and the wiring layers are used forboth of the different functions as illustrated in the above-describedconfiguration example. In addition, there are special requirements onspace saving: the display area and a touch detection area correspondingto the display area are desirable to be as large as possible, and theframe portion and the like are desirable to be as small as possible,relative to the overall size of the device. Regarding the accuracy oftouch detection, the screen serving as the touch detection area isdesirable to have an appropriate and uniform degree of sensitivity oftouch detection.

Related art examples regarding the above-described liquid crystaldisplay device with a touch sensor includes Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open No. 2012-73783. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.2012-73783 describes how to obtain a display device with a touchdetection function that is capable of enhancing uniformity insensitivity of detection of touch. In particular, Japanese PatentApplication Laid-open No. 2012-73783 describes that a plurality of driveelectrodes extends to a first position or a second position locatedoutside of the first position, the first position being away from thecenter of a touch detection electrode located outermost among aplurality of touch detection electrodes disposed in an effective displayregion S, by half the length of an arrangement pitch of the touchdetection electrodes.

In the related in-cell capacitive liquid crystal touch panel,particularly in the combined use type configuration example (such asJapanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2009-244958) in which the sameelectrode unit is used for both the liquid crystal display function andthe touch sensor function, the touch detection area corresponding to thedisplay area is desirable to have an appropriate and uniform degree ofsensitivity of touch detection.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a display device with a touch sensor has adisplay function and a touch sensor function. The display deviceincludes: a panel unit that comprises a first substrate, a secondsubstrate, and a display function layer between the first substrate andthe second substrate; a first electrode on the first substrate having afunction as a first touch drive electrode that constitutes the touchsensor function; a second electrode on the second substrate having afunction as a second touch drive electrode that constitutes the touchsensor function; a third electrode on the second substrate having afunction as a touch detection electrode that constitutes the touchsensor function; and a capacitor for the touch sensor function. Thecapacitor is formed between either of the first electrode and the secondelectrode and the third electrode, or between both the first electrodeand the second electrode and the third electrode. When the touch sensorfunction is used, a first signal is applied to the first electrode andthe second electrode, and a second signal is detected from the thirdelectrode through the capacitor. The first electrode of the firstsubstrate is disposed in a display area of the panel unit, and thesecond electrode of the second substrate is disposed in a frame portionoutside the display area, and the first electrode and the secondelectrode are connected to each other by an upper/lower conductingportion provided at the frame portion. The frame portion comprises, onthe first substrate side thereof, a peripheral circuit, and the secondelectrode is provided in a position more distant upward from theperipheral circuit than the first electrode.

According to another aspect, an electronic apparatus includes thedisplay device with a touch sensor.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a principle of a mutual capacitivetouch sensor;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the mutual capacitivetouch sensor;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the mutual capacitivetouch sensor;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of touchdetection units of the touch sensor;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pixel (cell) of aTFT-LCD;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the pixel (cell)of the TFT-LCD;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configurationof a main part of a panel unit of a liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor of a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configurationof a main part of a panel unit of a liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor of a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configurationof a main part of a panel unit of a liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor of a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configurationof a main part of a panel unit of a liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor of a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of apanel unit of a liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor of afifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a plan configuration example of upperand lower substrates of the liquid crystal display device with a touchsensor of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a pixel configuration of a panelunit of a liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor of a sixthembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a pattern configuration example of asecond electrode of the liquid crystal display device with a touchsensor of the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating the pattern configuration example ofthe second electrode of the liquid crystal display device with a touchsensor of the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an effect obtained by a comparativeconfiguration example with respect to the pattern configuration exampleof the second electrode of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a functional block configuration of aliquid crystal display device with a touch sensor and of an electronicapparatus of a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a timing chart of driving waveforms of a liquid crystal touchpanel module of the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of drivers andelectrodes of the liquid crystal touch panel module of the seventhembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example neara frame portion of the liquid crystal touch panel module of the seventhembodiment;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a modification (1A) of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a modification (2A) of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a modification (2B) of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the liquid crystal display device according to the embodimentsof the present disclosure is applied;

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the liquid crystal display device according to the embodimentsis applied;

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the liquid crystal display device according to the embodimentsis applied;

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the liquid crystal display device according to the embodimentsis applied;

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the liquid crystal display device according to the embodimentsis applied;

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the liquid crystal display device according to the embodimentsis applied;

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the liquid crystal display device according to the embodimentsis applied;

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the liquid crystal display device according to the embodimentsis applied;

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating across-sectional configuration of a related liquid crystal display devicewith a touch sensor; and

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating across-sectional configuration of a related liquid crystal display devicewith a touch sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detailbased on the accompanying drawings. In all of the drawings forexplaining the embodiments, the same parts will be given the samereference numerals, and repetition of description thereof will beomitted. For convenience of explanation, various directions will bereferred to as follows: directions of a panel display plane as the X-and Y-directions; the direction perpendicular thereto (sight-linedirection) as the Z-direction; the direction of gate lines as theX-direction; and the direction of source lines as the Y-direction. Inaddition to reference numerals, abbreviated symbols such as G, S, Tx,and Rx will be used as appropriate. Cross-sectional views areillustrated with hatching lines partially omitted for ease ofunderstanding.

1. LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY WITH TOUCH SENSOR

Before describing the details of the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, description will be made below of techniques and the like ofa liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor, for ease ofunderstanding.

1-1. Touch Panel Principle (1)

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are diagrams illustrating a basic principle of amutual capacitive touch sensor (touch panel). The embodiments of thepresent disclosure also follow this principle. FIG. 1 is a diagramillustrating a basic structure of the touch sensor. FIG. 2 is a diagramillustrating an equivalent circuit of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagramillustrating signal voltages at the time of touch detection by the touchsensor of FIGS. 1 and 2. The touch sensor may be called “input/outputdevice” in the present specification.

A touch panel T illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a touch drive electrodeE1 (transmitting electrode Tx) and a touch detection electrode E2(receiving electrode Rx) that are arranged opposed to each other with adielectric body D interposed therebetween. The touch drive electrode E1,the touch detection electrode E2, and the dielectric body D form acapacitive element. In the present specification, the capacitive elementis represented as a capacitor C1. The touch panel T has a mechanism ofdetecting a state as to whether touching is made by utilizing a changein electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor C1 caused by approachingof a conductive body M, such as a finger, to a surface on the side ofthe touch detection electrode E2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, one end (onthe side of the touch drive electrode E1) of the capacitor C1 isconnected to an alternating-current signal source AS, and the other endthereof (point p, on the side of the touch detection electrode E2) isgrounded via a resistor R and connected to a voltage detector DET. Forproviding a touch sensor function, a voltage of a signal (touch drivesignal) s1 given by an alternating-current rectangular wave is appliedfrom the alternating-current signal source AS to the touch driveelectrode E1. As a result, a current flows via the capacitor C1, andthus, the voltage detector DET on the side of the touch detectionelectrode E2 detects a voltage of a signal s2, which is a touchdetection signal. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the signal sl as an input isa voltage signal given by the alternating-current rectangular wavehaving a predetermined frequency. The signal s2 (detected voltage Vdet)as an output changes to a voltage V1 when no touch is made and to avoltage V2 when a touch is made.

In the state in which the conductive body M is not close to the touchdetection electrode E2 on the front surface side of the touch panel T,input of the signal s1 causes the capacitor C1 to charge and discharge,so that a current I1 corresponding to the capacitance value of thecapacitor C1 flows therethrough. At this time, the potential waveform(waveform of the detected voltage Vdet) of the touch detection electrodeE2 at the other end (point p) of the capacitor C1 is detected by thevoltage detector DET, illustrated as the voltage V1 of the signal s2.The potential waveform has a substantially constant value of the voltageV1 while the conductive body M is not close to the touch detectionelectrode E2. The actual waveform of the voltage V1 has a form ofdecaying after steep rising, illustrated as a voltage V1 a.

In the state in which the conductive body M is close to the touchdetection electrode E2 on the front surface side of the touch panel T(in a touch-on state), the circuit takes a form in which a capacitor C2formed by the conductive body M is additionally connected in series tothe capacitor C1. In this state, the current I1 and a current I2 flowcorresponding to the capacitance values of the capacitors C1 and C2,respectively, as the respective capacitors C1 and C2 are charged anddischarged. At this time, the potential waveform (waveform of thedetected voltage Vdet) of the touch detection electrode E2 at the otherend (point p) of the capacitor C1 detected by the voltage detector DETchanges to the voltage V2 of the signal s2 due to reduction of theelectric field caused by the conductive body M. The above-describedpotential at the point p (touch detection electrode E2) results in apotential of a divided voltage determined by the values of the currentsI1 and I2 flowing the capacitors C1 and C2. Consequently, when theconductive body M is close to the touch detection electrode E2, thevoltage V2 of the signal s2 has a value lower than the voltage V1obtained when the conductive body M is not close to the touch detectionelectrode E2. The voltage detector DET (or a touch detection circuitcorresponding thereto) compares the detected voltage Vdet (voltage V1 orV2) of the signal s2 with a predetermined threshold voltage Vth, anddetects the state as the state in which the conductive body M is closeto the touch detection electrode E2 when the detected voltage Vdet islower than the threshold voltage Vth, for example, as illustrated as thevoltage V2 in FIG. 3. The state may be detected by determination throughcomparison of an amount of change in the voltage from V1 to V2 with apredetermined threshold value.

1-2. Touch Panel Principle (2)

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a touchdetection area in the touch panel T and touch detection units U includedin the touch detection area. A plane (defined by the X- andY-directions) constituting this touch detection area TA includes awiring pattern of the touch drive electrode E1 (transmitting electrodeTx) and a wiring pattern of the touch detection electrode E2 (receivingelectrode Rx), and capacitors C1 formed at respective intersections ofthese patterns constitute the touch detection units U. For example, thetouch drive electrode E1 (transmitting electrode Tx) is a plurality oflines extending in parallel in the X-direction of a surface of a firstsubstrate, and the touch detection electrode E2 (receiving electrode Rx)is a plurality of lines extending in parallel in the Y-direction of asurface of a second substrate. The lines of the touch drive electrode E1and the touch detection electrode E2 can be configured, for example, asblocks (E1 blocks and E2 blocks) each corresponding to a plurality ofpixel lines of the liquid crystal display device. For example, one ormore touch positions (that is, the touch detection units U correspondingto the touch positions) in the touch detection area can be detected bycalculation processing based on the signal s2 detected (output) from theE2 blocks in response to the signal s1 sequentially applied (scanned)from a driver to the E1 blocks.

Not limited to the above-described configuration example, the touchdrive electrode E1 (transmitting electrode Tx) may be formed as a solidlayer on the surface of the first substrate, and the touch detectionelectrode E2 (receiving electrode Rx) may be formed in a matrix in unitsof regions divided in the X-direction and the Y-direction on the surfaceof the second substrate. The resolution of the touch detection isgoverned by the design of the above-described pattern. In the presentspecification, the “solid layer” refers to a layer that is not processedinto a predetermined shape after deposition.

1-3. TFT Liquid Crystal Pixel Configuration

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pixel (cell) of aTFT-LCD. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuitcorresponding to FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pixels (cells)are formed in a matrix by intersection of gate lines 41 (referenced asG) extending in parallel in the transverse (X) direction and sourcelines 42 (referenced as S) extending in parallel in the longitudinal (Y)direction. Each of the gate lines 41 (gate lines G) is connected to agate electrode of a TFT 44, and each of the source lines 42 (sourcelines S) is connected to a source electrode of the TFT 44. A pixelelectrode 43 is connected to a drain electrode of the TFT 44. Therespective pixels include retention capacitors 45, which are connectedto retention capacitor lines 46 extending in parallel in the X-direction(or to a common electrode). In the equivalent circuit illustrated inFIG. 6, one terminal of each of the pixel electrode 43 and the retentioncapacitor 45 is connected to the drain electrode, and the other terminalof each of the pixel electrode 43 and the retention capacitor 45 isconnected to the retention capacitor line 46, to which a common voltageis supplied.

1-4. Liquid Crystal Display With In-Cell Touch Sensor (Non-Combined UseType)

A structure (liquid crystal display device with an in-cell touch sensor[in-cell touch LCD]) can include the touch panel T built inside theliquid crystal display panel. As a driving method for an applied liquidcrystal layer in a vertical electric field mode, an array substrate thatis the first substrate includes a first common electrode unit (COM1),and a CF substrate that is the second substrate includes a second commonelectrode unit (COM2). In a horizontal electric field mode, the arraysubstrate that is the first substrate includes a common electrode (COM).

1-5. Liquid Crystal Display with In-Cell Touch Sensor (Combined useType)

A structure (combined use type in which the same electrode unit is usedfor both the liquid crystal display function and the touch sensorfunction) can include the above-described liquid crystal display devicewith an in-cell touch sensor that is simplified by including a commonelectrode unit originally provided in the liquid crystal display devicealso as one of the electrodes (touch drive electrode E1) constitutingthe touch sensor function (for example, in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open No. 2009-244958). A common drive signal (common voltage) tothe common electrode for the liquid crystal display device is commonlyused also as a signal for the touch sensor. As a driving method, signalsfor the respective functions are applied to the same electrode unit on atime-sharing basis (in FIGS. 18A to 18E to be described below).

In the case of the combined use type in the vertical electric field mode(such as the TN, the VA, or the ECB mode), the structure is such thatthe first common electrode unit (COM1) on the array substrate is usedcommonly (for combined use) as the touch drive electrode (transmittingelectrode Tx) for the touch sensor function, and the second commonelectrode unit (COM2) on the CF substrate is used commonly (for combineduse) as the touch detection electrode (receiving electrode Rx). In thevertical electric field mode, the common drive signal (common voltage)to the upper and the lower common electrode units (the common electrodeCOM1 and the common electrode COM2) and a pixel signal of the pixelelectrode generate an electric field VE in the vertical direction(Z-direction) with respect to the liquid crystal layer so as to control(modulate) the state of each pixel.

In the case of the combined use type in the horizontal electric fieldmode (such as the FFS or the IPS mode), the structure is such that thefirst common electrode unit (COM) on the array substrate is usedcommonly (in other words, used for combined use) as the touch driveelectrode (transmitting electrode Tx) for the touch sensor function, andthe touch detection electrode (receiving electrode Rx) is provided onthe CF substrate. In the horizontal electric field mode, the commondrive signal (common voltage) to the common electrode COM and the pixelsignal of the pixel electrode generate an electric field HE in thehorizontal direction (X- or Y-direction) with respect to the liquidcrystal layer so as to control (modulate) the state of each pixel.

1-6. Problems of Related Art

However, the study by the inventor of the present disclosure has foundthat the display device with a touch sensor of related art has thefollowing problems. Those problems will be described using FIGS. 32 and33.

FIG. 32 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional configuration of therelated liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor. The relatedliquid crystal display device with a touch sensor includes broadlydivided three regions of an array substrate 10, a liquid crystal layer30, and a CF substrate 20, which are arranged in the Z-direction. Thearray substrate 10 includes a glass substrate 11 and components, such asgate electrodes G, source electrodes S, pixel electrodes, and retentioncapacitors, which are not illustrated. The CF substrate 20 includes aglass substrate, a color filter, and the like, which are notillustrated. The related liquid crystal display device with a touchsensor also includes two regions of a display area 71 and a frameportion 72 located outside thereof, which are arranged in the X- andY-directions and illustrated in a divided manner. The display area 71 isa region that is constituted by pixels and touch detection units andthat corresponds to the screen and also to the touch detection area. Theframe portion 72 is a region that is provided in a frame-like manneroutside the display area 71 and that is basically not formed with pixelsor touch detection units. In other words, the frame portion 72 is anon-display area. Reference numeral 60 indicates a sealing portion thatseals the liquid crystal layer 30. Lines (region) of a touch driveelectrode 1801 (transmitting electrode Tx) that is an elementconstituting the touch sensor function are particularly included in thedisplay area 71, for example, on the surface on the inner side (on theside nearer to the liquid crystal layer 30) of the array substrate 10.Lines (region) of a touch detection electrode 1802 (receiving electrodeRx) that is an element constituting the touch sensor function areincluded in the display area 71, for example, on the surface (frontsurface) on the outer side (on the side farther from the liquid crystallayer 30) of the CF substrate 20. Reference numeral C indicates acapacitance provided by the transmitting electrode Tx and the receivingelectrode Rx that are an electrode pair constituting the touch sensorfunction. The capacitance C is an electrostatic capacitance for thetouch detection. The inclined ellipses in the liquid crystal layer 30are schematic representation of liquid crystal molecules. There is nolimitation here in the driving method, that is, as to whether thevertical electric field mode or the horizontal electric field mode isused. The region of the frame portion 72 includes an area in which aperipheral circuit 80 is formed or implemented. As the peripheralcircuit 80, for example, a driver circuit such as a gate driver isformed in a place such as on the glass substrate 11 on the side of thearray substrate 10 in the frame portion 72. The peripheral circuit 80 isformed by a process such as the COG process or the LTPS processmentioned above.

A first problem is that an end portion 73 (a region 901 adjacent to theframe portion 72) in the display area 71 tends to have a slightly lowerdegree of sensitivity of touch detection than that of a central portion(a region apart from the frame portion 72) in the display area 71. Inother words, the touch detection area has room for improvement in theuniformity of the sensitivity of touch detection.

The lower sensitivity of touch detection described above is attributedto the fact that the structure of the electrode units and othersconfiguring the pixels and the touch detection units in the display area71, particularly in the end portion 73 differs from the structure in theframe portion 72 located outside the display area 71, particularly in aregion 903 adjacent to the display area 71. For example, the frameportion 72 (region 903) is not formed with the touch drive electrode1801 (transmitting electrode Tx) and the touch detection electrode 1802(receiving electrode Rx) that are the electrode pair constituting thetouch sensor function. Otherwise, even if the touch drive electrode 1801and the touch detection electrode 1802 serving as the electrode pair areformed, the electrodes are ends of lines and have small electrodewidths. For that reason, in the end portion 73 (region 901) of thedisplay area 71, only a weak fringe electric field is generated betweenthe touch drive electrode 1801 and the touch detection electrode 1802serving as the electrode pair; in other words, the number of lines ofelectric force is smaller, and thus the sensitivity of touch detectionis slightly lower.

FIG. 33 illustrates, as a way of solving the above-described firstproblem, a configuration in which a touch drive electrode 1901 and atouch detection electrode 1902 that are electrode units lying in thedisplay area 71, particularly in the end portion 73, are extended intothe frame portion 72, as illustrated in a region 911 adjacent to theframe portion 72, an extended region a1, and an extended region a2. Inother words, the touch drive electrode 1901 (transmitting electrode Tx)of the array substrate 10 is extended into the frame portion 72, and thetouch detection electrode 1902 (receiving electrode Rx) of thecorresponding CF substrate 20 is extended into the frame portion 72. Theextended region a1 is provided in the frame portion 72 so as to providethe transmitting electrode Tx extending from the display area 71 intothe frame portion 72 on the array substrate 10. In the same manner, theextended region a2 is provided in the frame portion 72 so as to providethe receiving electrode Rx extending from the display area 71 into theframe portion 72 on the CF substrate 20. This provides the samestructure of components such as the touch drive electrode 1901 and thetouch detection electrode 1902 serving as the electrode units so as toprovide the same effects of the fringe electric field, etc. in thevicinity of the end portion 73 (at the boundary with the frame portion72) of the display area 71. Therefore, the sensitivity of touchdetection in the end portion 73 (region 911) is improved, and thus, theuniformity of the touch detection sensitivity is enhanced in the touchdetection area corresponding to the display area 71. In other words, aneffective touch detection area can be enlarged by an amount of extensionof the electrode units. Only one electrode of the transmitting electrodeTx and the receiving electrode Rx may be extended. However, it is morepreferable to have both electrodes of the transmitting electrode Tx andthe receiving electrode Rx extended.

Conventional configuration examples of Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open No. 2012-73783, for example, describe configurations in whichthe touch drive electrode (common electrode) in the display area(effective display region) is extended into the frame portion asdescribed above. Such a configuration reduces the amount of reduction ofthe fringe electric field in the end portion of the display area, sothat the fringe electric field has the same intensity as that of thecentral portion of the display area, and thus enhances the uniformity ofthe touch detection sensitivity in the end portion of the display area.For example, FIG. 4 and Paragraph 0034 in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open No. 2012-73783 describe this. Enhancing the uniformity of thetouch detection sensitivity can reduce, for example, the amount ofcorrection calculation for touch detection signals, and can raise theaccuracy of detection of a touch position.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 33, configuring the electrode units ofthe display area 71 to extend into the frame portion 72 reducesdistances between the extended electrode units in the frame portion 72and the peripheral circuit 80, particularly a distance d1 between thetransmitting electrode Tx and the peripheral circuit 80, as illustratedin a region 912. This generates a capacitive load due to coupling of theelectrode units, particularly the transmitting electrode Tx, with theperipheral circuit 80, and can thereby generate adverse effects. Forexample, adverse effects can be exerted on operations of the peripheralcircuit 80, for example on driving of the electrodes. Adverse effectscan also be exerted on elements other than the peripheral circuit 80,such as some kind of electrode wires, if any.

As described above, to prevent degradation in the sensitivity of touchdetection in the end portion 73 of the display area 71, the liquidcrystal display device with an in-cell capacitive touch sensorpreferably has a configuration in which the electrodes constituting thetouch sensor function are extended into the end portion 73 locatedoutside the touch detection area corresponding to the display area.However, there is a concern of the adverse effects due to proximity tothe peripheral circuit 80 caused by such a configuration. Therefore, itis needed to provide a configuration that can avoid the adverse effectsdue to proximity to the peripheral circuit 80 caused by extension of theelectrode units, particularly the transmitting electrode Tx, etc., fromthe display area 71 into the frame portion 72, and that can improve orraise the touch detection sensitivity in the display area 71 includingthe end portion 73.

A second problem is that, as indicated by arrow 902 in FIG. 32, there isa possibility of adverse effects due to noise such as electromagneticwaves emitted from the peripheral circuit 80 implemented on the side ofthe array substrate 10 of the frame portion 72 toward the front surface(in the Z-direction, or the vertical direction).

As illustrated in FIG. 33, as a way of solving the above-describedsecond problem, there can be exemplified a configuration that shieldsand reduces the noise from the peripheral circuit 80 indicated by arrow902 mentioned above, by arranging some kinds of electrode unit andwiring layer in an overlapping manner above (in the Z-direction of) theperipheral circuit 80. For example, a configuration is such that theelectrode unit (transmitting electrode Tx) on the side of the arraysubstrate 10 of the display area 71 is extended into the frame portion72 so as to overlap the peripheral circuit 80 as illustrated by theextended region a1. However, as described above, this configurationreduces the distance dl between the extended electrode unit and theperipheral circuit 80 in the frame portion 72, so that there is thepossibility of the adverse effect of generating the capacitive load dueto coupling of the electrode unit with the peripheral circuit 80. Forexample, a configuration is such that the receiving electrode Rx that isthe electrode unit on the side of the CF substrate 20 of the displayarea 71 is extended into the frame portion 72 so as to overlap theperipheral circuit 80 as illustrated by the extended region a2. Aconfiguration can also be considered in which, for example, the frameportion 72 is widely extended in the X- and Y-directions so as toprovide a noise shielding effect at upper/lower conducting portions,etc. between the side of the array substrate 10 and the side of the CFsubstrate 20. For example, the frame portion 72 may be provided with alayer (noise shielding layer) exclusively for shielding the noise. Toprovide the noise shielding effect described above, a certain patternmay be formed with wires made of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or metal.

Therefore, it is also needed to provide a configuration that can shieldthe noise from the peripheral circuit 80 toward the front surface whileavoiding the mutual adverse effects between the electrode units and theperipheral circuit 80.

As described above, it is a main object of the present disclosure toprovide a technique regarding an in-cell capacitive liquid crystal touchpanel (particularly of a combined use type), the technique being capableof avoiding adverse effects due to proximity to a peripheral circuitcaused by extension of electrode units from a display area into a frameportion, and capable of improving and/or raising the touch detectionsensitivity of the touch detection area corresponding to the displayarea including an end portion thereof. Other problems and the like willbe described in embodiments of the present disclosure.

2. FIRST EMBODIMENT

Based on the description given above, an in-cell capacitive liquidcrystal touch panel 1 of a first embodiment of the present disclosurewill be described using FIG. 7, for example. Against the above-describedproblems (FIGS. 32 and 33), the first embodiment (FIG. 7) has aconfiguration in which, when the electrode unit (transmitting electrodeTx) on the side of the array substrate 10 of the display area 71 and thecorresponding electrode unit (receiving electrode Rx) of the CFsubstrate 20 are extended into the frame portion 72, the electrode uniton the side of the array substrate 10 is extended toward the CFsubstrate 20 so as to be separated from the peripheral circuit 80located on the side of the array substrate 10. In other words, theconfiguration is such that a first electrode 51 (transmitting electrodeTx1) arranged mainly in the display area 71 of the array substrate 10and a second electrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2) extended in theframe portion 72 of the CF substrate 20 are connected at an upper/lowerconducting portion 61 of the frame portion 72. This configurationimproves and/or raises the touch detection sensitivity and enhancesuniformity of the touch detection sensitivity in the end portion 73 ofthe touch detection area corresponding to the display area 71 asindicated by a dotted line A1. In addition, the electrode units(transmitting electrode Tx2 and receiving electrode Rx) extended in theframe portion 72 provide the effect of shielding the noise from theperipheral circuit 80 toward the front surface as indicated by a dottedline A2.

In the present configuration, the first electrode 51 (transmittingelectrode Tx1) formed in the display area 71 on the inner side (on theside nearer to the liquid crystal layer 30) of the array substrate 10 isslightly extended into the frame portion 72, and to be connected fromthere, through the upper/lower conducting portion 61 in the frameportion 72, to the second electrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2) thatis a wiring layer formed (extended) on the inner side (on the sidenearer to the liquid crystal layer 30) of the CF substrate 20 in theframe portion 72. The first electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1)and the second electrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2) have a functionof the touch drive electrode (transmitting electrode Tx). The outer side(front surface) of the CF substrate 20 includes the touch detectionelectrode (receiving electrode Rx) as a third electrode 53 in a mannerextending from the display area 71 into the frame portion 72. In thepresent configuration, the second electrode 52 (transmitting electrodeTx2) located on the upper side is extended more outward (in the X- orY-direction) than the first electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1)located on the lower side.

As described above, the extended portion from the first electrode 51(transmitting electrode Tx1) in the display area 71 of the arraysubstrate 10 is provided as the second electrode 52 (transmittingelectrode Tx2) in the frame portion 72 of the CF substrate 20.Therefore, as indicated by the dotted line A2, a larger distance d2(d2>d1) is obtained above (in the Z-direction of) the peripheral circuit80 to the electrode unit (particularly, to the second electrode 52[transmitting electrode Tx2]) extended in the frame portion 72. This canreduce the capacitive load caused by coupling of the second electrode 52with the peripheral circuit 80. Consequently, for example, theabove-described adverse effects on operations of the peripheral circuit80 can be avoided. The touch detection sensitivity can be improved bythe structure that includes, near the end portion 73 of the display area71, the transmitting electrode Tx2 and the receiving electrode Rx thatare the electrodes extended in the frame portion 72, as indicated by thedotted line A1. Although the present configuration (FIG. 7) has avertical difference due to whether the touch drive electrode(transmitting electrode Tx) is present near the end portion 73 of thedisplay area 71, the liquid crystal layer 30 actually has a thicknesssmaller than those of the array substrate 10 and the CF substrate 20that are upper and lower substrates, and therefore, an effect ofimprovement in the touch detection sensitivity exists.

In the present configuration, the transmitting electrode Tx2 that is theelectrode unit extended at the distance d2 above (in the Z-direction of)the peripheral circuit 80 in the frame portion 72 of the array substrate10 is arranged so as to overlap the receiving electrode Rx. Thisconfiguration with the electrode units (particularly, with thetransmitting electrode Tx2) provides the effect of being capable ofshielding the noise from the peripheral circuit 80 toward the frontsurface.

2-1. Liquid Crystal Display with Touch Sensor

A description will be made using FIG. 7 of a schematic configuration ofa main part of a panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device witha touch sensor of the first embodiment. The panel unit 1 of the liquidcrystal display device with a touch sensor includes the array substrate10 and the CF substrate 20 that are arranged opposed to each other withthe liquid crystal layer 30 interposed therebetween. The driving methodfor the liquid crystal layer 30 is not limited. A sealing portion 60 ofthe frame portion 72 connects the array substrate 10 and the CFsubstrate 20 that are the upper and the lower substrates to each other,and seals the liquid crystal layer 30. The array substrate 10 includesthe gate lines G, the source lines S, etc., which are not illustrated.

The first electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1) is formed of ITO orthe like on the inner side (on the side nearer to the liquid crystallayer 30) of the array substrate 10 mainly in the display area 71. Thesecond electrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2) is formed of ITO or thelike on the inner side (on the side nearer to the liquid crystal layer30) of the CF substrate 20 in the frame portion 72, and the thirdelectrode 53 (receiving electrode Rx) is formed of ITO or the like onthe outer side (front surface) over the display area 71 and the frameportion 72. The first electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1) has afunction of a first touch drive electrode (transmitting electrode Tx1)for the touch sensor function. The second electrode 52 (transmittingelectrode Tx2) has a function of a second touch drive electrode(transmitting electrode Tx2) for the touch sensor function. The thirdelectrode 53 (Rx) has a function of the touch detection electrode(receiving electrode Rx) for the touch sensor function. The transmittingelectrodes Tx (transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2) and the receivingelectrode Rx form a pair to constitute the capacitance C for touchdetection.

In FIG. 7, the transmitting electrode Tx2 and the receiving electrode Rxare electrodes that are extended to the outermost part of the frameportion 72. Therefore, the touch detection is possible in the frameportion 72. In other words, the touch detection area includes thedisplay area 71 and the frame portion 72.

One end of the first electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1) of thearray substrate 10 and one end of the second electrode 52 (transmittingelectrode Tx2) of the CF substrate 20 are electrically connected by theupper/lower conducting portion 61 of the frame portion 72. Theupper/lower conducting portion 61 may be formed as a part of the sealingportion 60, or may be formed independently. Supplying a common voltageVcom gives the transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2, which areelectrically connected, a common potential. For example, the sealingportion 60 having the sealing function is used also as the upper/lowerconducting portion 61 having the electrical connection function.

The peripheral circuit 80, etc. such as a driver connected to the gatelines G are implemented on the side of the array substrate 10 of theframe portion 72. While, here, the peripheral circuit 80 is illustratedinside the array substrate 10, circuit elements are formed on thesubstrate according to implementation details as described above. Thedriver, etc. connected to the transmitting electrode Tx2 or thereceiving electrode Rx, which is the electrode on the side of the CFsubstrate 20, may be implemented in the frame portion 72 on the side ofthe CF substrate 20, or may be implemented in the frame portion 72 onthe side of the array substrate 10 so as to be connected via wiring, theupper/lower conducting portion, or the like. In particular, the driver,etc. are preferably collectively implemented as the peripheral circuit80 on the side of the array substrate 10.

The transmitting electrode Tx2 and the receiving electrode Rx, which arethe electrode units extended in the frame portion 72 on the side of theCF substrate 20, have also the function of shielding the noise from theperipheral circuit 80, etc. located therebelow toward the front surface,depending on the wiring patterns of the electrodes Tx2 and Rx. Forexample, the noise shielding effect is obtained when the transmittingelectrode Tx2 has a shape of stripes in a first direction and thereceiving electrode Rx has a shape of stripes in a second direction.

In the present configuration of the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystaldisplay device with a touch sensor illustrated in FIG. 7, the thirdelectrode 53 (receiving electrode Rx) is disposed on the outer side(front surface) of the CF substrate 20. This disposition increases thedistance between the receiving electrode Rx and the transmittingelectrodes Tx (transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2) so as to keep thecapacitance value of the capacitance C constituted by the electrode pairfrom being excessively large. The third electrode 53 (receivingelectrode Rx) can be disposed basically in any desired position (layer).In another configuration of the liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor, the third electrode 53 (receiving electrode Rx) may bedisposed on the side of the array substrate 10. In a still otherconfiguration of the liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor,the third electrode 53 (receiving electrode Rx) may be disposed on thesurface on the inner side (on the side nearer to the liquid crystallayer 30) of the CF substrate 20.

2-2. Modification 1A

FIG. 21 illustrates Modification 1A of the first embodiment. Thisconfiguration is configured to dispose the first electrode 51(transmitting electrode Tx1) on the side of the array substrate 10 onlyinside the display area 71, to dispose the second electrode 52(transmitting electrode Tx2) on the side of the CF substrate 20 onlyinside the frame portion 72, and to obliquely dispose an upper/lowerconducting portion 61 b that connects the ends of the transmittingelectrode Tx1 and the transmitting electrode Tx2, which are the firstelectrode 51 and the second electrode 52, to each other. The upper/lowerconducting portion 61 b is not limited to have a form of being disposedvertically (in the Z-direction) inside the frame portion 72 as describedabove, but only needs to have a shape that can connect the transmittingelectrodes Tx1 and Tx2, which are the upper and the lower electrodeunits, to each other, such as the oblique shape of the presentconfiguration. The present configuration provides the same effect asthat of the first embodiment.

3. SECOND EMBODIMENT

A description will next be made using FIG. 8 of a panel unit 1 of aliquid crystal display device with a touch sensor of a second embodimentof the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, the secondelectrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2), which is extended in theframe portion 72 on the side of the CF substrate 20, in the firstembodiment is extended also toward the display area 71 as indicated byarrow A21. In other words, the second embodiment includes the firstelectrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1) mainly in the display area 71of the array substrate 10, the second electrode 52 (transmittingelectrode Tx2) on the surface on the inner side of the CF substrate 20over the frame portion 72 and a part of the display area 71, and thethird electrode 53 (receiving electrode Rx) on the surface on the outerside of the CF substrate 20 over the display area 71 and the frameportion 72; and connects the transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2 throughthe upper/lower conducting portion 61 of the frame portion 72. Thisconfiguration configures the transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2 to beparallel to each other in the display area 71 as indicated by arrow A22.In other words, the transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2 overlap eachother in the Z-direction in the display area 71. The configuration ofthe transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2 being parallel as indicated byarrow A22 provides a lower resistance. The transmitting electrodes Tx1and Tx2 have a combined resistance, and thus have in effect a lowerresistance as drive electrodes.

3-1. Modification 2A

FIG. 22 illustrates Modification 2A of the second embodiment. In thisconfiguration, between the first electrode 51 (transmitting electrodeTx1) and the second electrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2), which areextended into the frame portion 72, the transmitting electrode Tx2 has asmaller extension length in the X- or Y-direction than that of thetransmitting electrode Tx1. The transmitting electrode Tx1 is disposedmore outward than the transmitting electrode Tx2. Although the distancebetween the transmitting electrode Tx1 and the peripheral circuit 80 isslightly smaller, the present configuration also provides an effectclose to that of the first and the second embodiments.

3-2. Modification 2B

FIG. 23 illustrates Modification 2B of the second embodiment. In thisconfiguration, an upper/lower conducting portion 61 c (contactconducting column) connecting the first electrode 51 (transmittingelectrode Tx1) with the second electrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2)is formed not in the frame portion 72 but in the display area 71 (endportion 73). Therefore, the second electrode 52 (transmitting electrodeTx2) is extended not only in the frame portion 72 but also slightly intothe display area 71. The first electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1)is not extended into the frame portion 72. The present configurationalso provides an effect close to that of the first and the secondembodiments.

4. THIRD EMBODIMENT

A description will next be made using FIG. 9 of a panel unit 1 of aliquid crystal display device with a touch sensor of a third embodimentof the present disclosure. The third embodiment is an embodiment thatapplies the vertical electric field mode as a method for the liquidcrystal layer 30, and limits the configuration to that of the combineduse type. The vertical electric field mode refers to a method of drivingthe liquid crystal layer using the electric field in the verticaldirection applied between the upper and the lower substrates. An up/downarrow in the liquid crystal layer 30 indicates the vertical electricfield mode. The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are ofthe combined use type. The first electrode 51 has a combination of afunction as the first common electrode unit (COM1) in the liquid crystaldisplay function and a function as the first touch drive electrode(transmitting electrode Tx1) in the touch sensor function. In a similarmanner, the second electrode 52 has a combination of a function as thesecond common electrode unit (COM2) in the liquid crystal displayfunction and a function as the second touch drive electrode(transmitting electrode Tx2) in the touch sensor function. The secondelectrode 52 serving as the transmitting electrode Tx2 and as the commonelectrode unit COM2 is extended over the display area 71 and the frameportion 72 as indicated by arrows A31. The touch drive electrodes(particularly, the transmitting electrode Tx2) and the touch detectionelectrode (receiving electrode Rx) form a pair to constitute thecapacitance C for touch detection.

The first electrode 51 serving as the transmitting electrode Tx1 and asthe first common electrode unit COM1 is formed on the surface on theinner side of the array substrate 10 mainly in the display area 71, andthe pixel electrode 43 is formed above the first electrode 51 with aninsulation layer interposed therebetween. The pixel electrode 43 is anelectrode for generating the vertical electric field VE. The secondelectrode 52 serving as the transmitting electrode Tx2 and as the secondcommon electrode unit COM2 is formed on the surface on the inner side ofthe CF substrate 20 over the display area 71 and the frame portion 72.The third electrode 53 (receiving electrode Rx) is correspondinglyformed on the surface on the outer side of the CF substrate 20 over thedisplay area 71 and the frame portion 72. The pixel electrode 43 isincluded in a position (layer) between the transmitting electrodes Tx1and Tx2. The transmitting electrode Tx1 forms the above-describedterminals of the retention capacitor 45 for each pixel. The transmittingelectrode Tx1 includes, for example, the retention capacitor line 46 towhich the terminal is connected.

As a driving method corresponding to the third embodiment, waveforms forthe respective functions are applied on a time-sharing basis.Specifically, during a pixel writing period in one horizontal period,the common voltage Vcom for the common electrodes COM (first commonelectrode unit COM1 and second common electrode unit COM2) is suppliedto the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52, whereas during atouch sensing period, the signal s1 serving as the touch drive signalfor the transmitting electrodes Tx (transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2)is applied and the signal s2 serving as the touch detection signal iscorrespondingly output (detected) from the third electrode 53 (receivingelectrode Rx).

The third embodiment also provides the same effect as that of the firstand the second embodiments.

5. FOURTH EMBODIMENT

A description will next be made using FIG. 10 of a panel unit 1 of aliquid crystal display device with a touch sensor of a fourth embodimentof the present disclosure. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment thatapplies the horizontal electric field mode as a method for the liquidcrystal layer 30, and limits the configuration to that of the combineduse type. The horizontal electric field mode refers to a method ofdriving the liquid crystal layer using the electric field HE in thehorizontal direction applied along one of the upper and the lowersubstrates. The electric field in the horizontal direction is generatedin a direction substantially parallel to an in-plane direction of theupper or the lower substrate. A right/left arrow in the liquid crystallayer 30 indicates the horizontal electric field mode. The firstelectrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are of the combined use type.The first electrode 51 has a combination of a function as the firstcommon electrode COM1 in the liquid crystal display function and afunction as the first touch drive electrode (Tx1) in the touch sensorfunction. The second electrode 52 has a function as the second touchdrive electrode (transmitting electrode Tx2) in the touch sensorfunction. The touch drive electrodes (transmitting electrodes Tx1 andTx2) and the touch detection electrode (receiving electrode Rx) form apair to constitute the capacitance C for touch detection.

As a driving method corresponding to the fourth embodiment, waveformsfor the respective functions are applied on a time-sharing basis.Specifically, during the pixel writing period, the common voltage Vcomfor the first common electrode COM1 is supplied to the first electrode51, whereas during the touch sensing period, the signal s1 serving asthe touch drive signal for the transmitting electrodes Tx (transmittingelectrodes Tx1 and Tx2) is applied and the signal s2 serving as thetouch detection signal is correspondingly output (detected) from thethird electrode 53 (receiving electrode Rx).

In the case of the horizontal electric field mode, the configuration ofFIG. 10 has the pixel electrode 43 above the first electrode 51.However, the pixel electrode 43 can be placed below the first electrode51. In the case of the horizontal electric field mode, the secondelectrode 52 is not disposed in the display area 71 and is not used as acommon electrode. In addition, the retention capacitor 45 describedabove is not included.

The fourth embodiment also provides the same effect as that of the firstembodiment.

6. FIFTH EMBODIMENT

A description will next be made using FIGS. 11 and 12 of a panel unit 1of a liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor of a fifthembodiment of the present disclosure. The fifth embodiment illustrates amore detailed configuration example based on the first and the thirdembodiments. The liquid crystal layer 30 employs the vertical electricfield mode (for example, a semi-transmissive ECB mode is applied) andhas a configuration of the combined use type.

6-1. Liquid Crystal Display with Touch Sensor

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional (Y-Z) structure of a main part ofthe panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with a touchsensor of the fifth embodiment. The array substrate 10 includes, on theglass substrate 11, gate electrodes 41, source electrodes 42, the pixelelectrodes 43, the TFTs 44, the retention capacitors 45, a commonelectrode (wiring laid for common electrode) 47, an insulation layer 12,etc. The gate electrodes 41 may include the gate lines G; the sourceelectrodes 42 may include the source lines S; and the common electrode47 may include wiring laid for the common electrode. The glass substrate11 in the frame portion 72 includes thereon an area in which theperipheral circuit 80 (such as a gate selection circuit) is implemented.The first electrode 51 serving as the transmitting electrode Tx1 and asthe common electrode COM1 includes (in other words, is connected to) thewiring laid for the common electrode 47, terminals of the retentioncapacitors 45, etc.

The CF substrate 20 includes, on a glass substrate 21 (on the side ofthe liquid crystal layer 30), a color filter 22, an overcoat 23, alight-shielding film 24, the second electrode 52, etc., and includes thethird electrode 53 on the outer side (front surface) of the glasssubstrate 21. The light-shielding film 24 is also called a black matrix(BM). The color filter 22 is, for example, a pattern of a periodic arrayof colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). Each color corresponds toone pixel (subpixel). The overcoat 23 covers the color filter 22. Thelight-shielding film 24 is formed at the frame portion 72.

FIG. 11 illustrates only a part of the display area 71 for one pixel.The display area 71 illustrated in FIG. 11 is divided from the frameportion 72 as a region in which the color filter 22, the pixelelectrodes 43, etc. are formed. The frame portion 72 includes theupper/lower conducting portion 61 above the insulation layer 12. Theupper/lower conducting portion 61 contains conductive particles 62dispersed in sealing material. One end of the first electrode 51 isconnected to one end of the second electrode 52 by the upper/lowerconducting portion 61, more specifically, by the conductive particles62. The upper/lower conducting portion 61 seals the liquid crystal layer30. The upper/lower conducting portion 61 is provided apart from theperipheral circuit 80 with the insulation layer 12 interposed on theside of the array substrate 10.

The first electrode 51 serving as the transmitting electrode Tx1 and asthe common electrode COM1, the second electrode 52 serving as thetransmitting electrode Tx2 and as the common electrode COM2, and thethird electrode 53 serving as the receiving electrode Rx are configuredto form a pattern of transparent electrodes made of ITO or the like. Forexample, the transmitting electrodes Tx (transmitting electrodes Tx1 andTx2) are formed into stripes in the X-direction, and the receivingelectrode Rx is formed into stripes in the Y-direction.

In a region indicated by arrow A51 in the frame portion 72, the secondelectrode 52 serving as the transmitting electrode Tx2 and as the commonelectrode COM2 is extended more widely outward (in the X- orY-direction) than the first electrode 51 serving as the transmittingelectrode Tx1 and as the common electrode COM1, and has a partoverlapping the peripheral circuit 80. Consequently, the secondelectrode 52 has the effect of shielding the noise of the peripheralcircuit 80 as described above. In a region indicated by arrow A52, thesecond electrode 52 serving as the transmitting electrode Tx2 and as thecommon electrode COM2 is extended more widely outward (in the X- orY-direction) than the third electrode 53 serving as the receivingelectrode Rx and the upper/lower conducting portion 61.

6-2. Plan Configuration of Substrate

FIG. 12 illustrates a plan (X-Y) configuration example of the substrates(the array substrate 10 and the CF substrate 20) of the panel unit 1 ofthe liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor of the fifthembodiment. FIG. 12 illustrates an X-Y plane on the side of the CFsubstrate 20 and an X-Y plane on the side of the array substrate 10. Asviewed on the X-Y plane on the side of the CF substrate 20 illustratedin FIG. 12, the pattern of the color filter 22 (R, G, and B) is arrangedin the display area 71. A range of the upper/lower conducting portion 61is indicated in the frame portion 72, and the conductive particles 62are disposed in a dispersed manner in the range. The second electrode 52serving as the transmitting electrode Tx2 and as the common electrodeCOM2 is formed of ITO in a pattern formed like stripes extending inparallel in the X-direction. One line of the transmitting electrode Tx2can form one block including a plurality of pixel lines, for example.

As viewed on the X-Y plane on the side of the array substrate 10illustrated in FIG. 12, the panel unit 1 includes, on the side of thesubstrate 10, an array of pixels formed by the gate lines 41 (gate linesG) extending in parallel in the X-direction and the source lines 42(source lines S) extending in parallel in the Y-direction. The pixelsinclude each the retention capacitor 45 and are connected by theretention capacitor lines 46 extending in parallel in the X-direction toeach other and to the common electrode (wiring laid for commonelectrode) 47. The terminals of the retention capacitor 45, theretention capacitor lines 46, and the common electrode 47 constitute apart of the first electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1). The panelunit 1 includes an area for the peripheral circuit 80 (such as the gateselection circuit) in the vicinity of the common electrode 47 and thefirst electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1). As described above,there is a portion, above the area for the peripheral circuit 80,overlapping the second electrode 52 serving as the transmittingelectrode Tx2 and as the common electrode COM2.

7. SIXTH EMBODIMENT

A description will next be made using FIGS. 13 to 16 of a panel unit 1of a liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor of a sixthembodiment of the present disclosure. The sixth embodiment provides astructure having pattern shapes of the transmitting electrodes Tx andthe receiving electrode Rx, which constitute the touch sensor function,the pattern shapes being further contrived based on the verticalelectric field mode liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor ofthe combined use type described in the fifth embodiment. Employing theconfiguration of the fifth embodiment or the like, or a configuration ofa related vertical electric field mode causes the second touch driveelectrode (transmitting electrode Tx2) to overlap the gate lines G.Depending on implementation details, it becomes a problem that a largecapacitive load is produced between the gate lines 41 (gate lines G) ofthe array substrate 10 and the second touch drive electrode(transmitting electrode Tx2) of the CF substrate 20. Therefore, thesixth embodiment employs a configuration in which shapes of thetransmitting electrode Tx pattern and the corresponding receivingelectrode Rx pattern are contrived as described below so as to reducethe capacitive load produced between the gate lines 41 (gate lines G) ofthe array substrate 10 and the second touch drive electrode(transmitting electrode Tx2) of the CF substrate 20, and thus enhancingliquid crystal orientation and quality of display.

In the related configuration of the vertical electric field mode, thetouch drive electrode provided on the CF substrate is a solid layer ofITO, and an opposed ITO layer that is a touch drive electrode resides ina position overlapping a gate electrode on the array substrate.Consequently, a capacitive load increases between the gate electrode onthe array substrate and the opposed ITO layer serving as a touch driveelectrode on the CF substrate. In other words, the capacitive loadbetween the gate electrode on the array substrate and the opposed ITOlayer serving as a touch drive electrode on the CF substrate is large.Therefore, the configuration of the sixth embodiment is a configurationin which the shape of the transmitting electrode Tx pattern is contrivedso as to avoid the increase in the capacitive load, and is aconfiguration in which this pattern shape prevents a disorder in theliquid crystal orientation from appearing on the display.

In the sixth embodiment, the pattern of the second electrode 52(transmitting electrode Tx2) as illustrated in FIG. 14 overlaps a pixelconfiguration of the display area 71 as illustrated in FIG. 13. Thisprovides a structure in which slits SLA that are slits of the secondtransmitting electrode Tx2 pattern overlap the positions of the gatelines G. This structure reduces the capacitive load between the gatelines G and the second touch drive electrode (transmitting electrodeTx2), and enhances the liquid crystal orientation and the quality ofdisplay.

7-1. Pixel Configuration

FIG. 13 first illustrates the pixel configuration. The display area 71includes pixels formed by intersection of the gate lines 41 (gate linesG) extending in parallel in the X-direction and the source lines 42(source lines S) extending in parallel in the Y-direction. Each of thepixels includes the TFT 44, the pixel electrode 43, the retentioncapacitor 45, a reflective aluminum plate 49, etc. In the presentembodiment, the TFT 44 is an amorphous TFT, but further can be apolycrystalline TFT or a single crystalline TFT. The pixel electrode 43is connected to the transmitting electrode Tx1 through the retentioncapacitor line 46. The reflective aluminum plate 49 is an electrode unitthat is effective when applied corresponding to (particularly, thesemi-transmissive ECB mode of) the vertical electric field mode, but maybe omitted. A region 701 illustrates only pixels of two pixel linescorresponding to block divisions of the transmitting electrode Tx2(FIGS. 14 and 15), each line illustrating only three pixels of R, G, andB in the X-direction.

7-2. Transmitting Electrode Tx2 Pattern

FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams each illustrating the pattern shape of thesecond electrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2). FIG. 14 is a diagramillustrating one block that is a part of the transmitting electrode Tx2.FIG. 14 illustrates, as an example, the region occupied by one block ofthe transmitting electrode Tx2 and two pixel lines. FIG. 15 is a diagramillustrating three blocks that are a part of the transmitting electrodeTx2. The transmitting electrode Tx2 block of FIG. 14 overlaps a positionabove and opposed to the region 701. The slits SLA in the X-direction ofthe transmitting electrode Tx2 are provided so as to overlap the gatelines G in the X-direction. In the present embodiment, the slits SLA arecalled type 1 slits, or block dividing slits. This constitutes aplurality of blocks (lines) of the transmitting electrode Tx2 extendingin parallel in the X-direction. The present configuration exampleillustrates a case of constituting one transmitting electrode Tx2 blockwith two pixel lines. In other words, the slits SLA are provided atintervals of every two of the gate lines G. Not limited to this, thetransmitting electrode Tx2 blocks may be constituted at intervals of apredetermined number of pixel lines according to, for example, arequired resolution of touch detection. Constituting the transmittingelectrode Tx2 blocks at intervals of a predetermined number of pixellines corresponds to forming the slits SLA at intervals of thepredetermined number of pixel lines.

Corresponding to the configuration in which the transmitting electrodeTx2 is extended from the display area 71 into the frame portion 72 asdescribed above, the transmitting electrode Tx2 blocks have a shape thatcontinues into the frame portion 72. The configuration of thetransmitting electrode Tx2 blocks described above reduces thecapacitance between the gate lines G and the transmitting electrode Tx2in the display area 71, and extends the transmitting electrode Tx2blocks so as to make them overlap the peripheral circuit 80 in the frameportion 72.

A slit SLB is provided in each of the transmitting electrode Tx2 blocksas illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. In the present embodiment, the slitSLB is called a type 2 slit, or a pixel dividing slit. The slit SLB isbasically provided in a position overlapping the gate line G in the samemanner as the slit SLA, and serves as an open portion in each pixelposition in the X-direction corresponding to the pixel configuration ofFIG. 13. In other words, the slit SLB is a non-open portion in positionsoverlapping the source lines S extending in the Y-direction. Theconfiguration of having the slits SLB further reduces the capacitancebetween the gate lines G and the transmitting electrode Tx2, andenhances the liquid crystal orientation while increasing uniformity ofdisplay.

The slit SLB is not limited to have the above-described shape, but maybe, for example, an open portion in positions where the gate line Goverlaps the source lines S and a non-open portion in other positions onthe gate line G. In one block of the second electrode 52 (transmittingelectrode Tx2), the pixel lines arranged in the Y-direction areseparated by the slit SLB, but are connected at the non-open portions tohave an electrically common potential. A non-open portion serving as aplace to provide a connection in the Y-direction only needs to bepresent at some place. As another configuration example, thetransmitting electrode Tx2 block may have a structure in which the pixellines are not connected (because of an open portion) in the display area71 but connected in the frame portion 72. Alternatively, in the case ofplacing the blocks separated by the above-described slits at a commonpotential, the blocks only need to be configured such that the samesignal (voltage) is applied to the blocks.

7-3. Slit SLB

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating effects obtained by existence andnonexistence of the slit SLB in the transmitting electrode Tx2 pattern(block). A region SLN illustrated in FIG. 16 represents a schematicrepresentation of liquid crystal orientation in the case (comparativeconfiguration example) in which the transmitting electrode Tx2 pattern(block) has a shape without the slit SLB. Ellipses are a schematicrepresentation of oriented liquid crystal molecules. In the transmittingelectrode Tx2 block, a region sa provided with the slit SLA is placed ina state in which the liquid crystal orientation differs from that ofother places (places without the slit SLA), due to electric fields inthe pixel electrodes 43 on the side of the array substrate 10 and in theopposed ITO layer, which is the transmitting electrode Tx2 block on theside of the CF substrate 20. This can cause displayed lines to appear ineach region sa provided with the slit SLA.

Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the slit SLB is provided in aregion sb without the slit SLA so as to approximate the liquid crystalorientation state of the region provided with the slit SLB to the liquidcrystal orientation state of the region sa of the slit SLA. With thisconfiguration, when the displayed lines appear in the region sa of theslit SLA, the lines regularly appear corresponding to line groups of thegate lines G in the X-direction in the display area 71. Therefore, theuniformity of display is achieved.

In a driving method corresponding to the panel unit 1 of the liquidcrystal display device with a touch sensor of the sixth embodiment, thesignal s1 serving as the touch drive signal is applied to thetransmitting electrode Tx1 (retention capacitor lines 46) on the side ofthe array substrate 10 and to the pattern (blocks) of the transmittingelectrode Tx2 on the side of the CF substrate 20 connected to thetransmitting electrode Tx1, during the touch sensing period. Forexample, the signal s1 is sequentially applied to the blocks. Inresponse to this, the signal s2 serving as the touch detection signal isdetected from the receiving electrode Rx pattern. The receivingelectrode Rx pattern is, for example, of blocks extending in parallel inthe Y-direction that correspond to the transmitting electrode Tx patternin the X-direction.

The third electrode 53 (receiving electrode Rx) of the CF substrate 20is preferably configured to have a shape corresponding to the pattern ofthe second electrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2). In other words,the receiving electrode Rx pattern is shaped as blocks extending inparallel in the Y-direction so as to intersect (particularly at a rightangle) the transmitting electrode Tx pattern (blocks) formed in parallelin the X-direction. The blocks of the receiving electrode Rx can beformed so that one block includes a plurality of pixel lines in the samemanner as the blocks of the transmitting electrode Tx2.

In the sixth embodiment, corresponding to the above-described patternconfiguration of the transmitting electrode Tx2, in other words, theconfiguration in which the slit SLA or the slit SLB exists at each pixelline, it is preferable to apply column inversion driving or frameinversion driving as a driving method, that is, as a pixel writingmethod for the liquid crystal display device. In other words, thesedriving methods can reduce or prevent the disorder in the liquid crystalorientation at the slit positions, and thus can improve the quality ofdisplay.

8. SEVENTH EMBODIMENT

Next, using FIGS. 17 to 20, for example, description will be made, as aseventh embodiment of the present disclosure, of a configuration exampleof a liquid crystal touch panel module 100 that includes a panel unit 1of a liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor and driver ICs ofthe panel unit 1, and of an electronic apparatus 500 that includes theliquid crystal touch panel module 100. In particular, description willbe made also of a driving method with respect to the electrodes(transmitting electrodes Tx and receiving electrode Rx) for the touchsensor function corresponding to the fifth embodiment and the like.

8-1. Liquid Crystal Touch Panel Module and Electronic Apparatus

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a functional block configuration ofthe electronic apparatus 500 including the liquid crystal touch panelmodule 100 (liquid crystal display device with an in-cell capacitivetouch sensor) of the seventh embodiment. The electronic apparatus 500can be various types of devices that require the liquid crystal displayfunction and the touch sensor function, such as a mobile device, a TV,and a digital camera. The electronic apparatus 500 is equipped with theliquid crystal touch panel module 100 and a control unit 501 connectedthereto.

The liquid crystal touch panel module 100 includes the panel unit 1 ofthe liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor, and a touchsensor driver 101 and a liquid crystal display driver 102 that areconnected to the panel unit 1. The touch sensor driver 101 and theliquid crystal display driver 102 can be called as a first controllerand a second controller, respectively. The liquid crystal touch panelmodule 100 and the control unit 501 are connected to each other via aninterface 502 (also called I/F) of the touch sensor driver 101. Theinterface 502 includes an interface of a power supply and an interfaceof the touch sensor. The touch sensor driver 101 and the liquid crystaldisplay driver 102 are configured to synchronize with each other. Thepresent configuration example uses the touch sensor driver 101, which isthe first controller, as a main controller of the liquid crystal touchpanel module 100 (the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display devicewith a touch sensor), thereby, in other words, places the touch sensordriver 101 at a level higher than the liquid crystal display driver 102.However, the levels may be inverted or may be integrated into one. Eachdriver, that is, each of the touch sensor driver 101 and the liquidcrystal display driver 102 is implemented, for example, as IC on an FPCboard connected to the panel unit 1. These drivers only need to beimplemented, for example, by any method such as a chip on film (COF)method.

The panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with a touchsensor is configured, for example, as described in FIG. 11, and includesthe display area 71 composed of the pixels and the touch detection unitsU, the frame portion 72 located outside the display area 71, and driversconnected to the gate lines G, the source lines S, the transmittingelectrodes Tx, the receiving electrode Rx, and the like, which are theelectrodes or the wires of the display area 71. The panel unit 1includes, as the drivers, a gate driver 301, a source driver 302, a Txdriver 201 that is a touch drive driver, and an Rx driver 202 that is atouch detection driver. These drivers are implemented by a process suchas the COG process or the LTPS process, for example, in the frameportion 72 located outside the display area 71 and/or on the arraysubstrate 10 and the CF substrate 20, which are the upper and the lowerglass substrates.

The drives may be separated from each other or integrated with eachother, as appropriate. For example, the gate driver 301 and the Txdriver 201 may be integrated into one, and the source driver 302 and theRx driver 202 may be integrated into one. Alternatively, the Tx driver201 and/or the Rx driver 202 may be integrated with the touch sensordriver 101, and the gate driver 301 and/or the source driver 302 may beintegrated with the LCD driver 102.

The touch sensor driver 101 receives a video signal, etc., from thecontrol unit 501 of the electronic apparatus 500, and performs, forexample, timing control for the liquid crystal display driver 102 andtouch detection control for the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystaldisplay device with a touch sensor. The touch sensor driver 101, forexample, gives the liquid crystal display driver 102 a video signal(image information) and a control signal such as a timing signal. Thetouch sensor driver 101, for example, also gives the Tx driver 201 andthe Rx driver 202 a control signal for the touch detection control. Thetouch sensor driver 10 gives, as a response, the electronic apparatus500 information on results of control of several functions (such asinformation on whether touching is made and/or the touch position).

Based on the control signal from the touch sensor driver 101, the liquidcrystal display driver 102 gives the gate driver 301 and the sourcedriver 302 a signal for display control in the display area 71 of thepanel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor.The signal may be given in the form of connecting the control unit 501to the liquid crystal display driver 102 to give the video signal, etc.from the control unit 501 to the liquid crystal display driver 102. Thegate driver 301 sequentially applies gate signals (scan pulses) to thegroup of the gate lines 41 (gate lines G). In synchronization therewith,the source driver 302 applies source signals (image signals) to thegroup of the source lines 42 (source lines S). As a result, the imagesignals are applied to the pixel electrodes 43 via the TFTs 44. Theretention capacitors 45 are charged as soon as the image signals areapplied to the pixel electrodes 43. Thus, the state of each pixel of theliquid crystal layer 30 is controlled (modulated).

In accordance with the control signal from the touch sensor driver 101,the Tx driver 201 serving as a touch drive driver supplies the commonvoltage Vcom for the common electrodes COM and sequentially applies thesignal sl serving as the touch drive signal for the transmittingelectrodes Tx to the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52. Itshould be noted that the first electrode 51 serves as the transmittingelectrode Tx1 and as the common electrode COM1, and that the secondelectrode 52 serves as the transmitting electrode Tx2 and as the commonelectrode COM2.

Based on the control signal from the touch sensor driver 101, the Rxdriver 202 serving as a touch detection driver detects the signal s2serving as the touch detection signal from the third electrode 53(receiving electrode Rx) of the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystaldisplay device with a touch sensor. A signal of a detection result basedon the signal s2 serving as the touch detection signal detected by theRx driver 202 is output to the touch sensor driver 101. The Rx driver202 receives the signal s2 serving as the touch detection signal fromthe receiving electrode Rx (third electrode 53), integrates the signals2, and converts the integrated signal into a digital signal. Based onthe digital signal, the Rx driver 202 performs operations such asdetermination of whether touching is made in the touch detection areacorresponding to the display area 71 and calculation of touch positioncoordinates, and outputs signals indicating the results of theoperations. The touch detection circuit provided in the Rx driver 202 isconstituted by, for example, an amplifier, a filter, an AD converter, arectifying and smoothing circuit, and a comparator. An input levelsignal based on the signal s2 from the receiving electrode Rx iscompared with the threshold voltage Vth by the comparator as describedabove (FIGS. 1 to 3), and as a result, the signal indicating whethertouching is made is output.

8-2. Driving Waveform

FIG. 18 illustrates a timing chart of driving waveforms according to thedriving method for the present panel unit 1 of the liquid crystaldisplay device with a touch sensor. The timing charts correspond to thedriver configuration of FIG. 17, and the driving waveforms are generatedfrom the respective drivers. In the present driving method, onehorizontal period (1 H) is divided into a pixel writing period PW and atouch sensing period TS, and driving is performed on a time-sharingbasis between the liquid crystal display function and the touch sensorfunction. Signals (voltages) corresponding to the respective functionsare applied on a time-sharing basis to the first electrode 51 and thesecond electrode 52, which are the combined-use electrodes. A methodsuch as column inversion driving or frame inversion driving is used todrive the liquid crystal display device.

The drive frequency in each period, that is, in each of the pixelwriting period PW and the touch sensing period TS can be designed asappropriate. For example, the drive frequency is set to 60 Hz in thepixel writing period PW, and to a double frequency of 120 Hz in thetouch sensing period TS. In other words, in this case, the touchdetection is performed at a rate of twice each time an image (pixel) isdisplayed. The order of the pixel writing period PW and the touchsensing period TS in 1 H may be reversed.

The HSYNC signal of FIG. 18( a) is a signal that defines 1 H (horizontalperiod). The G signal of FIG. 18( b) is a signal that is applied fromthe gate driver 301 to the gate line 41 (gate line G). The S signal(image signal) of FIG. 18( c) is a signal that is applied from thesource driver 302 to the source line 42 (source line S). Tx (COM1) ofFIG. 18( d) is a signal that is applied from the Tx driver 201 to thefirst electrode 51 (transmitting electrode Tx1) and the second electrode52 (transmitting electrode Tx2). Rx of FIG. 18( e) is a signal that isapplied from the Rx driver 202 to the third electrode 53 (receivingelectrode Rx).

During the pixel writing period PW, the Tx driver 201 supplies thecommon voltage Vcom (common drive signal) to the first electrode 51serving as the transmitting electrode Tx1 and as the common electrodeCOM1 and to the second electrode 52 serving as the transmittingelectrode Tx2 and as the common electrode COM2, and Rx driver 202supplies the common voltage Vcom (common drive signal) to the thirdelectrode 53 serving as the receiving electrode Rx. As a result, all ofthe first electrode 51 serving as the transmitting electrode Tx1 and asthe common electrode COM1, the second electrode 52 serving as thetransmitting electrode Tx2 and as the common electrode COM2, and thereceiving electrode Rx are controlled so as to have the common voltageVcom.

During the touch sensing period TS, the Tx driver 201 sequentiallyapplies the signal s1 serving as the touch drive signal to thetransmitting electrodes Tx (transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2), sothat the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 function as thetouch drive electrode (transmitting electrode Tx) and the thirdelectrode 53 functions as the touch detection electrode (receivingelectrode Rx). The Rx driver 202 detects the signal s2 serving as thetouch detection signal from the third electrode 53 serving as thereceiving electrode Rx.

The common drive signal (common voltage Vcom) defines a pixel voltageapplied to the pixel electrode 43 and a display voltage of each pixelfor the liquid crystal display function, and defines the signal slserving as the touch drive signal to the transmitting electrodes Tx forthe touch sensor function. Although FIG. 18 illustrates only a singlepulse as the driving waveform in the touch sensing period TS, thealternating-current rectangular wave may be used for driving.

8-3. Driver Configuration Example

FIG. 19 illustrates a configuration example of drivers and patterns ofthe electrodes (transmitting electrodes Tx and receiving electrode Rx)in the seventh embodiment. The drivers are the same as those of FIG. 17.Although FIG. 19 illustrates the drivers outside the frame portion 72,the drivers can be implemented in the frame portion 72. The display area71 of the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with a touchsensor includes gate lines G, source lines S, transmitting electrodesTx, and a receiving electrode Rx, which are the electrodes, and thewires described above. In particular, the display area 71 includes a Tx2pattern (Tx2 blocks) formed like stripes extending in parallel in theX-direction as referenced as 1201, and an Rx pattern (Rx blocks) formedlike stripes extending in parallel in the Y-direction as referenced as1202. These blocks correspond to the E1 blocks and the E2 blocksdescribed above (FIG. 4). In this case, one block of the Tx2 blocks andthe Rx blocks includes two pixel lines, for example, in the same manneras in the case described above (in the sixth embodiment and FIG. 14).

In particular, the gate lines G and the source lines S are arranged inthe display area 71. The transmitting electrodes Tx and the receivingelectrode Rx are extended from the display area 71 into the frameportion 72. From the Tx driver 201 to the transmitting electrodes Tx(transmitting electrodes Tx1 and Tx2), the common voltage Vcom issupplied during the period PW, and the signal sl serving as the touchdrive signal, which is a Tx signal, is applied during the touch sensingperiod TS. The Rx driver 202 supplies the common voltage Vcom to thereceiving electrode Rx during the pixel writing period PW, and detectsthe signal s2 serving as the touch detection signal, which is an Rxsignal, from the receiving electrode Rx during the touch sensing periodTS.

8-4. Frame Portion Configuration Example

FIG. 20 illustrates a detailed configuration example with respect toextension and overlapping of the electrodes near the frame portion 72 inthe seventh embodiment. FIG. 20 illustrates upper right portions of theend portion 73 of the display area 71 and the frame portion 72 of thepanel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor.The display area 71 is the effective display region. The display area 71includes, between the gate lines G, lines (or blocks) of the secondelectrode 52 (transmitting electrode Tx2) to which the signal s1 servingas the touch drive signal is applied, and includes, between the sourcelines S, lines (or blocks) of the third electrode 53 from which thesignal s2 serving as the touch detection signal is detected. FIG. 20illustrates a case in which one pixel line constitutes one block of thetransmitting electrode Tx2 pattern and the receiving electrode Rxpattern (blocks). The frame portion 72 includes the above-described areain which the peripheral circuit 80 and the upper/lower conductingportion 61 are disposed, as referenced as 1301. The transmittingelectrode Tx and the receiving electrode Rx are extended in the X- andY-directions from the display area 71 into the frame portion 72, andoverlap the area 1301. For example, the lines of the transmittingelectrode Tx2 extending in the X-direction are extended to an end of theframe portion 72. For ease of understanding, FIG. 20 illustrates aslight gap provided at the end of the frame portion 72.

In addition to placing the lines of the transmitting electrode Tx andthe receiving electrode Rx in extending directions thereof, the presentconfiguration example arranges the lines repeatedly in directionsperpendicular to the extending directions so that the lines overlap theframe portion 72 (area 1301). For example, lines 1302 of thetransmitting electrode Tx2 are repeatedly arranged not only in the placewhere pixels are formed in the display area 71, but also in the frameportion 72 in the Y-direction so as to overlap the area 1301. The sameapplies to lines 1303 of the receiving electrode Rx. The lines 1302 and1303 are not limited to be arranged independently (floating), but may bearranged continuously over the end portion 73 of the display area 71 andthe frame portion 72 when the width of one line (block) is large. Thepresent configuration example enhances the sensitivity and uniformity oftouch detection of the end portion 73 of the display area 71, andshields the peripheral circuit 80 provided in the frame portion 72.

9. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

As has been described above, regarding the panel unit 1 of the liquidcrystal display device with an in-cell capacitive touch sensor(particularly of the combined use type), the embodiments can avoid theadverse effects due to proximity to the peripheral circuit 80 caused byextension of the transmitting electrodes Tx and the receiving electrodeRx, which are electrodes, from the display area 71 to the frame portion72, and can improve and/or raise the touch detection sensitivity in thetouch detection area corresponding to the display area 71 including theend portion 73.

While the invention made by the inventor of the present disclosure hasbeen specifically described above based on the embodiments, it isobvious that the present disclosure is not limited to theabove-described embodiments, but can be variously modified within thescope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device witha touch sensor of the present disclosure is applicable not only to theliquid crystal display device but also generally to other displaydevices. The panel unit 1 of the present disclosure is also applicableto other systems such as an electrophoretic display (EPD) system. Forexample, in the case of applying the liquid crystal display device witha touch sensor of the present disclosure to the EPD, it is onlynecessary to use a display function layer such as a microcapsule layerinstead of the liquid crystal layer 30 illustrated in FIG. 7, forexample. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be used forvarious electronic apparatuses such as mobile devices.

10. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Next, with reference to FIGS. 24 to 37, a description will be made ofapplication examples of the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal displaydevice with a touch sensor that has been described in the embodiments ofthe present disclosure. FIGS. 24 to 37 are diagrams illustratingexamples of electronic apparatuses to which the liquid crystal displaydevice according to the embodiments of the present disclosure isapplied. The panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor according to the embodiments of the present disclosure canbe applied to electronic apparatuses of all fields, such as mobiledevices including mobile phones and smartphones, television devices,digital cameras, notebook type personal computers, video cameras, andmeters, etc. installed in vehicles. In other words, the panel unit 1 ofthe liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor according to theembodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to electronicapparatuses of all fields that display externally received or internallygenerated video signals as images or video pictures. The electronicapparatuses each include a control device that supplies the videosignals to the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor, and controls operations of the panel unit 1 of the liquidcrystal display device with a touch sensor. The present embodiments canalso be used for various electronic apparatuses such as vehicle on-boardequipment. For example, the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal displaydevice with a touch sensor may be installed on an exterior panel mountedon a vehicle, or may be a part of a meter unit that displays a fuelgauge, a water temperature gauge, a speedometer, a tachometer, etc.

10-1. Application Example 1

The electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 24 is a television deviceto which the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor according to the embodiments of the present disclosure isapplied. This television device includes, for example, a video displayscreen unit 510 that includes a front panel 511 and a filter glass 512.The video display screen unit 510 is the panel unit 1 of the liquidcrystal display device with a touch sensor according to the embodimentsof the present disclosure.

10-2. Application Example 2

The electronic apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26 is a digitalcamera to which the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display devicewith a touch sensor according to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure is applied. This digital camera includes, for example, alight-emitting unit 521 for flash, a display unit 522, a menu switch523, and a shutter button 524. The display unit 522 is the panel unit 1of the liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 25,this digital camera includes a lens cover 525. Sliding the lens cover525 exposes a picture-taking lens. The digital camera can take a digitalphotograph by imaging light coming through the picture-taking lens.

10-3. Application Example 3

The electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 27 represents an externalappearance of a video camera to which the panel unit 1 of the liquidcrystal display device with a touch sensor according to the embodimentsof the present disclosure is applied. This video camera includes, forexample, a body 531, a lens 532 for taking a subject provided on thefront side face of the body 531, and a start/stop switch 533 and adisplay unit 534 used during shooting. The display unit 534 is the panelunit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with a touch sensoraccording to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

10-4. Application Example 4

The electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 28 is a notebook typepersonal computer to which the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystaldisplay device with a touch sensor according to the embodiments of thepresent disclosure is applied. This notebook type personal computerincludes, for example, a body 541, a keyboard 542 for input operation ofcharacters, etc., and a display unit 543 that displays images. Thedisplay unit 543 is constituted by the panel unit 1 of the liquidcrystal display device with a touch sensor according to the embodimentsof the present disclosure.

10-5. Application Example 5

The electronic apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30 is a mobilephone to which the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display devicewith a touch sensor is applied. FIG. 29 is a front view of the mobilephone when it is unfolded. FIG. 30 is a front view of the mobile phonewhen it is folded. This mobile phone is, for example, composed of anupper housing 551 and a lower housing 552 connected to each other by aconnection unit (hinge unit) 553, and includes a display 554, asubdisplay 555, a picture light 556, and a camera 557. The panel unit 1of the liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor is mounted tothe display 554. This allows the display 554 of the mobile phone to havethe function to detect touch operation in addition to the function todisplay images.

10-6. Application Example 6

The electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 31 is a personal digitalassistant that operates as a portable computer, a multifunctional mobilephone, a portable computer with voice call capability, or a portablecomputer with communication capability, and that is sometimes called asmartphone or a tablet computer. This personal digital assistantincludes a display unit 562 on a surface of a housing 561. The displayunit 562 is the panel unit 1 of the liquid crystal display device with atouch sensor according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Regarding an in-cell capacitive liquid crystal touch panel (particularlyof a combined use type), aspects of the present disclosure can avoidadverse effects due to proximity to a peripheral circuit caused byextension of electrode units from a display area into a frame portion,and can improve and/or raise touch detection sensitivity of a touchdetection area corresponding to the display area including an endportion thereof.

The present disclosure includes aspects as follows:

-   (1) A display device with a touch sensor having a display function    and a touch sensor function, the display device comprising:

a panel unit that comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and adisplay function layer between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate;

a first electrode on the first substrate having a function as a firsttouch drive electrode that constitutes the touch sensor function;

a second electrode on the second substrate having a function as a secondtouch drive electrode that constitutes the touch sensor function;

a third electrode on the second substrate having a function as a touchdetection electrode that constitutes the touch sensor function; and

a capacitor for the touch sensor function, the capacitor being formedbetween either of the first electrode and the second electrode and thethird electrode, or between both the first electrode and the secondelectrode and the third electrode; wherein

when the touch sensor function is used, a first signal is applied to thefirst electrode and the second electrode, and a second signal isdetected from the third electrode through the capacitor;

the first electrode of the first substrate is disposed in a display areaof the panel unit, and the second electrode of the second substrate isdisposed in a frame portion outside the display area, and the firstelectrode and the second electrode are connected to each other by anupper/lower conducting portion provided at the frame portion; and

the frame portion comprises, on the first substrate thereof, aperipheral circuit, and the second electrode is provided in a positionmore distant upward from the peripheral circuit than the firstelectrode.

-   (2) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1), wherein

the frame portion includes an extended portion of the first electrodeprovided on the first substrate and includes the second electrodeprovided on the second substrate; and

the second electrode is extended wider outward than the extended portionof the first electrode in plan view.

-   (3) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1), wherein    the second electrode provided on the second substrate comprises an    extended portion extended from the frame portion into the display    area, so that the first electrode in the display area and the    extended portion of the second electrode are parallel to each other.-   (4) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1), wherein

the display function layer is a layer in which display is performed byapplication of a voltage between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate;

the first substrate comprises a pixel electrode in a position betweenthe first substrate and the second substrate for each pixel;

the first electrode is configured to form a retention capacitor for eachof the pixels;

the second electrode is disposed over the display area on the secondsubstrate;

the first electrode has both a function as a first common electrode unitthat constitutes the display function and the function as the firsttouch drive electrode that constitutes the touch sensor function;

the second electrode has both a function as a second common electrodeunit that constitutes the display function and the function as thesecond touch drive electrode that constitutes the touch sensor function;and

during a touch sensing period when the touch sensor function is used,the first signal is applied to the first electrode and the secondelectrode, and the second signal is detected from the third electrodethrough the capacitor.

-   (5) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1), wherein

the display function layer is a layer in which display is performed byapplication of a voltage in a direction substantially parallel to anin-plane direction of the first substrate or the second substrate;

the first substrate comprises a pixel electrode for each pixel;

the first electrode has both a function as a first common electrode unitthat constitutes the display function and the function as the firsttouch drive electrode that is constitutes the touch sensor function;

the second electrode has the function as the second touch driveelectrode that constitutes the touch sensor function; and

during a touch sensing period when the touch sensor function is used,the first signal is applied to the first electrode and the secondelectrode, and the second signal is detected from the third electrodethrough the capacitor.

-   (6) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1), wherein

the second substrate has a first surface and a second surface, whereinthe first surface is closer to the display function layer than thesecond surface,

the second electrode is formed on the first surface of the secondsubstrate; and

the third electrode is formed on the second surface of the secondsubstrate.

-   (7) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1), wherein

the upper/lower conducting portion includes conductive particlesdispersed in sealing material; and

the second electrode comprises, in the frame portion, a portionoverlapping the area of the peripheral circuit, the second electrode,and the upper/lower conducting portion in plan view.

-   (8) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1), wherein-   each of the first electrode and the second electrode is formed in a    pattern of transparent electrodes extending in parallel in a first    direction;

the third electrode is formed in a pattern of transparent electrodes inparallel in a second direction;

touch detection units are formed in intersection regions of the patternsof the second electrode and the third electrode; and

the first signal is sequentially applied to each of a plurality of linesof the patterns of the first electrode and the second electrode, so thatthe second signal is detected from each of a plurality of lines of thepattern of the third electrode through the capacitor corresponding tothe touch detection units.

-   (9) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1), wherein

the first substrate comprises gate lines in parallel in a firstdirection that are elements constituting pixels;

the second electrode is disposed over the display area;

the second electrode is formed in a pattern of transparent electrodes inparallel in the first direction;

the third electrode is formed in a pattern of transparent electrodes inparallel in a second direction; and

the pattern of the second electrode comprises first slits in parallel inthe first direction in positions overlapping, in plan view, the gatelines for a plurality of pixel lines so as to be divided into aplurality of blocks.

-   (10) The display device with a touch sensor according to (9),    wherein the pattern of the second electrode comprises second slits    in parallel in the first direction in positions overlapping, in plan    view, the gate lines except in the positions of the first slits, and    the second slits are composed of open portions and non-open    portions.-   (11) The display device with a touch sensor according to (9),    wherein the panel unit is driven when the display function by column    inversion driving or frame inversion driving.-   (12) The display device with a touch sensor according to (1),    wherein

the first substrate comprises:

-   -   gate lines in parallel in a first direction and source lines in        parallel in a second direction that constitute pixels; and    -   a driver that is connected to or built into the panel unit;

the driver comprises:

-   -   a gate driver connected to the gate lines;    -   a source driver connected to the source lines;    -   a touch drive driver connected to the first electrode and the        second electrode; and    -   a touch detection driver connected to the third electrode;

the touch drive driver is configured to apply, to the first electrodeand the second electrode, a signal for pixel writing during a pixelwriting period of one horizontal period, and the first signal during atouch sensing period of one horizontal period; and

the touch detection driver is configured to apply, to the thirdelectrode, the signal for pixel writing during the pixel writing periodof one horizontal period, and to detect, from the third electrode, thesecond signal during the touch sensing period of one horizontal period.

-   (13) The display device with a touch sensor according to (12),    further comprising:

a first controller that is connected to the touch drive driver and thetouch detection driver and performs drive control of the touch sensorfunction; and

a second controller that is connected to the gate driver and the sourcedriver and performs drive control of the display function.

-   (14) An electronic apparatus comprising:

the display device with a touch sensor according to (1).

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A display device with a touchsensor, the display device comprising: a panel unit that comprises afirst substrate, a second substrate, and a display function layerbetween the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrodeon the first substrate: a second electrode on the second substrate; anda third electrode on the second substrate; wherein the first electrodeof the first substrate is disposed in a display area of the panel unit,and the second electrode of the second substrate is disposed in a frameportion outside the display area, and the first electrode and the secondelectrode are connected to each other by an upper/lower conductingportion provided at the frame portion, and wherein the frame portioncomprises, on the first substrate thereof, a peripheral circuit, and thesecond electrode is provided in a position more distant upward from theperipheral circuit than the first electrode.
 2. The display device witha touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein the frame portion includesan extended portion of the first electrode provided on the firstsubstrate and includes the second electrode provided on the secondsubstrate, and the second electrode is extended wider outward than theextended portion of the first electrode in plan view.
 3. The displaydevice with a touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein the secondelectrode provided on the second substrate comprises an extended portionextended from the frame portion into the display area, so that the firstelectrode in the display area and the extended portion of the secondelectrode are parallel to each other.
 4. The display device with a touchsensor according to claim 1, wherein the first substrate comprises apixel electrode in a position between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate for each pixel, and the second electrode is disposed over thedisplay area on the second substrate.
 5. The display device with a touchsensor according to claim 1, wherein the display function layer isdriven in a direction substantially parallel to an in-plane direction ofthe first substrate or the second substrate, the first substratecomprises a pixel electrode for each pixel.